The Governor then donated the venison to Missouri’s Share the Harvest program, a public-private partnership that provides meat to families in need.

Gov. Nixon took the buck to Steve N Sons Custom Meat Processing in Newburg, where the venison will be packaged for distribution to a local food bank, shelter or feeding center. Missouri hunters have donated well over 2 million pounds of venison through Share the Harvest since the program began in 1992.

“I’m pleased to again join thousands of Missouri hunters who are donating venison to help provide for those in need,” Gov. Nixon said. “Share the Harvest has helped put nutritious meat on the tables of countless Missouri families for more than 20 years, and continues to grow as more hunters and processors become involved. It’s a great way to make a difference.”

During the last hunting season, approximately 6,200 deer were processed through Share the Harvest, resulting in more than 370,000 pounds of venison for needy families. That was an increase over the 5,390 deer donated for Share the Harvest in 2010 and the 4,200 in 2009.

Share the Harvest is a partnership between the Conservation Federation, the Missouri Department of Conservation, regional food banks, local food pantries, and meat processors.

To find a list of participating Missouri meat processors online, go to mo.gov and search for “Share the Harvest.”